“If You Can?”

This is little Theo at seven months of age. In his childlike faith he believes that
his parents can do everything. There is no doubt. May we stay connected to the
Savior in whom we can place all our trust. 

Scripture:

Mark 9:²¹ Jesus asked the father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. ²² It has often cast him into the fire and into the water, to destroy him; but if you are able to do anything, have pity on us and help us.” ²³ Jesus said to him, “If you are able!—All things can be done for the one who believes.” ²⁴ Immediately the father of the child cried out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 

Observation:

The inability of the disciples to heal the boy seemed to have shaken the father’s confidence in Jesus’ power. Jesus’ response is either a statement of exasperation, or a question: “If you can?” or “If you are able!” Whichever way you interpret it, Jesus is incredulous at this man’s lack of faith. Something had happened to make his faith stumble because he had come to this place believing that his son would be made well. 

Jesus reassures the man that this miracle is not beyond his capabilities. The father cries out a statement with which most would resonate, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 

Application:

After the healing of this boy, Jesus and the disciples enter a house where the disciples ask him privately, “why could we not cast it out?” Jesus responds by telling them that this can only be done through prayer. At first glance this may seem a little odd but when we take the time to really understand what Jesus is saying, we find a dire warning for all followers of Jesus Christ. 

The disciples had already been sent out by Jesus and they had performed many miracles, but in this instance they were completely ineffective. The problem was that they had forgotten that they had to remain continually connected to the source of their power, and this was through prayer. The disciples themselves had no power to do anything, and that’s where they made their mistake. Having become accustomed to participating in Jesus’ work, they began to think that this ministry was about them. A one-time blessing of Jesus was believed to be enough to instill in them some sort of “magic” powers. What they forgot was that on their own, they could do nothing. 

Because they had not taken the time to pray and were not connected to the source of their power, they led the father of the boy astray. When he met Jesus, he doubted Jesus’ ability to heal. This was based upon his experience with the disciples. 

When we try to do the Lord’s work in our own skill and ability, we will actually draw people away from knowing Christ. The call is to radical connectedness to the source of power in our own lives. Day by day we are to spend time in prayer, seeking the face of God. Then, when we are called to participate in his mission, we will be pointing people into the direction of Jesus. The man’s unbelief was a direct result of the lack of prayer in the lives of the disciples. The way in which they were living made the man say, “If you can.” 

It is humbling to realize that our lack of prayer may become a stumbling block to those whose faith is in the developmental stages. Someone’s impression of Jesus may be shaped by a personal encounter with us today. What will be the result of that encounter? May we never leave a person wondering whether Jesus can make a difference in their life. 

Prayer:

Lord, I need you today and every day. May my dependence upon you grow in direct relation to the responsibility that you place upon me. Amen.